In Line Blower

[Rambling Wreck]

I am thinking about replacing my in-line blower  - it is loud. I know the Rule Model 140 is the recommended unit. However, Overton's is providing free shipping this week so I went to the catalog and website - of course they don't have one. They do have a Detmar. It moves 170cfm vs 135 for the Rule but I really want a quiet unit. Anyone have any expeirience with the Detmar? Our blowers are 3in - right?

I am also thinking of installing a depth finder. Anyone with an E21 have one? Where is the display installed? The one I am looking at needs a 2 1/8in hole for the display and I just cannot recall where there is room for it.

[Capt Rick]

The depth finder in mounted in the left side dashh support. I have one in stock. The blower is 3inch

[cyclone]

IMHO The original blower is a piece o crap. It is an attwood. They make some OK other boat stuff, but the blower, when perfectly functional and brand new, is LOUD. Maybe it moves more air, I didn't check that. I just got sick of listening to it and replaced it with a Rule blower. It was whisper quiet and blew plenty out the cool ass vent thangs that all Epics have on their ass end.
A blower replacement is fully documented on the Maintenance page. My original blower on both my Epics, (yeah)  was a noisy but functioning blower. Fpr the  30$ should be the FIRST thing you replace. You need to use it and if it annoys you, you may not. Like a non sporty but safe CGA approved life jacket VS a sporty but don't hold your waterlogged lungs up Shane Bonifay one.

I replaced my blower in my new boat last month after the first five seconds I activated that POS. I installed the same keyless ignition for it that was originally installed on my "00 Epic 22 by the dealer. It is a Mercruiser ignition keypad badass thingamabob that I posted on Wakeworld (like anyone cares;) I like it and it has some cool functions that turn on the blower when you do things like turn on the ignition, turn off the ignition, get below 1200rpm.

The blower is in essentially the same place on a V drive, one screw and the panel on the forward starboard engine compartment comes a' loose. The screw can be accessed from underneath the aft starboard corner cushion. Facing aft, it is inboard, run your finger along the carpet and you will find the stainless bracket. The panel is captured by screws up top (forward starboard lip of the bigass engne  side storage compartment. Also the starboard engine panel, it has carpet on one side and really nice perforated fake ass Corinthian leather on the other.

[dawsonr]

The stock readout location for the depth finder in the E21 sucks.  It is hard to see, and if you have a float attached to your keys, it is impossible to see.  Choose a better location if you are going to put one in.  The nice thing about the stock depth finder transducer is, it works at reasonable speeds, does not hang outside the hull (glued to the inside of the hull aft of the engine) and looks to be easy to get at if you need to.

A reliable depth finder at $200 may well save you a $400 prop.

[Rambling Wreck]

1. Blower - I think I will stick to what you guys have found to be the best - Rule, Model 140. I like the idea of being able to have a conversation while it is on! Quick question re: wiring. If I forget to turn current blower off while running at speed, the engine temp guage runs way high (200+). I usually glance the guages and pucker to the point that my seat comes with me when I stand up. After the first few times (stubborn when it comes to learning stuff) I relax and know just to turn off the blower. If this isn't hurting anythng it is no big deal but if this is damaging the electrical system I should address it. Is this most likely the ground wire issue I read about often?
2. Depth finder - the left side dash support is occupied by some very nice speaker on-off controls Breakawaydaze had installed so that area is out unless I can find some nicely done shim to angle it up so I can see it. I will have to wait until I see the boat again to recall if there is another place to install the display. Something tells me I lack rooom which is why I haven't done this install before now. Last year th lake was down 11 ft. and I worried about the prop every time I went out. I still went out - I just worried!

[cyclone]

Get a "spare" prop. By this, I mean get the Acme three blade hot rod prop. Then, you have a spare for free;)

I can help you with the cosmetic and the electrical stuff on your boat Ron, I'm gonna be doing gobs of that stuff on my SX this summer. Esp if the weather stays like it is:((

[Rambling Wreck]

Right back at ya as to the weather. Went to run some errands today and ran right back in - too cold and WAY to windy for these old bones.

I do look forward to summer if it ever comes to stay. Let me know when you do some of your SX magic. I am a good understudy, gopher, apprentice, whatever the correct word for the one that thinks he is really helping out but is actually there to go get beer!

[breakawaydaze]

Wow,

If you two get to planning a project day....give me a call!  I have been putting off the "dedicated ground" project because I know just enough to blow it all up!  I have been experiencing the dreaded "variable gauge reliability syndrome"  and hope the dedicated ground is gonna fix it.  Not only will I bring the beer, I am famous for making hundreds of trips to Lowes, Home Depot & Pep  Boys for projects that get beyond my skill and planning level.  Those helpful folks in the orange aprons run from me!  Just what Pete wants to do, fix other peoples Epics!  Hopefully the weather will stabilize soon!  I am going to the lake to see what is left of the dock today.  Really gusty winds and rain last night.  (good excuse anyway).  Let me know.....

[brad]

I followed Pete's advise and replaced mine with the Rule.

What an improvement!  I'll probably use it much more now that it doesn't annoy me.

Thanks!